Mindless Midfields Usher Out Sounders and Red BullsPosted by Paul Gardner on Nov. 14, 1:58 a.m.Unthinkable is probably too strong a word, but the ignominious departure of the New York Red Bulls and the Seattle Sounders from the MLS playoffs certainly seemed to defy probability. Above all, the manner of their defeats, with the hammer-blow for each team coming via defeat in a climactic game in their home stadium jammed with their own frenetic, expectant ...» 8 Comments

Should refs be hawks or doves at playoff time?Posted by Paul Gardner on Nov. 11, 12:20 p.m.'Tis the season, or postseason anyway, of playoff soccer. Whatever that means. The phrase gets repeated and repeated -- the TV guys love it, of course, without giving us any clear explanation of what they mean.» 7 Comments